Reactions of Carboxylic Acids (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular))
Revision Note
Reactions of carboxylic acids
The carboxylic acids behave like other acids
They react with:
metals to form a salt and hydrogen
carbonates to form a salt, water and carbon dioxide gas
The salts formed by the reaction of carboxylic acids all end –anoate
So methanoic acid forms a salt called methanoate, ethanoic a salt called ethanoate etc.
In the reaction with metals, a metal salt and hydrogen gas are produced
Example reactions of carboxylic acids
The reaction of ethanoic acid with metals such as magnesium forms the salt magnesium ethanoate and hydrogen gas:
2CH3COOH + Mg → (CH3COO)2Mg + H2
In the reaction with carbonates a metal salt, water and carbon dioxide gas are produced
For example in reaction with potassium carbonate the salt potassium butanoate is formed by reaction with butanoic acid:
2CH3CH2CH2COOH + K2CO3 → 2CH3CH2CH2COOK + H2O + CO2
Examiner Tip
You are not expected to be able to write balanced equations for the reactions of carboxylic acids- they are included here for background information.
Last updated:
You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes
Unlock more, it's free!
Did this page help you?